Payday Cookie Bars
Sweet and salty Payday Cookie Bars feature a buttery cake base topped with marshmallows, peanuts, and peanut butter chips, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix together the yellow cake mix, 1 stick of margarine, and egg until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows on top.
- Return to oven and bake until marshmallows are melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with roasted peanuts, rice Krispies, and peanut butter chips if desired. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you don't have peanut butter chips, you can substitute with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Make sure to evenly spread the cake mix base in the pan for uniform baking. If you prefer a crunchier texture, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a scoop of Sweetened Whipped Cream for added indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a slice of Naney'S Fudge for a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Payday Cookie Bars contains roughly 777 calories, with 16g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor of the bars slightly, but it can add a fun twist to the recipe!
What can I use instead of Rice Krispies?
If you don't have Rice Krispies, you can substitute with any puffed rice cereal or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture. Just make sure the substitute is similar in size for even distribution in the bars.
Are these cookie bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. However, ensure that the marshmallows used are vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain gelatin derived from animals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).